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Find a Fun Event in Tempe

Looking for fun things to do in Tempe and the Phoenix area? Plan your visit to coincide with one of the many annual festivals, concerts and sporting events found in Tempe. Hosting numerous exciting annual events, Tempe is the place to be. Browse the Tempe calendar of events to find year-round fun! And if you’re visiting this spring, visit our Spring Activities and Events vacation planning page! Tempe events offer a variety of experiences throughout the year:

Hit a vacation home run each spring at a Cactus League Spring Training game. Watch the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim play at their spring training home in Tempe at Tempe Diablo Stadium.

Whether it’s a Tempe music festival or a Tempe block party, this part of town is bustling all year long. From contemporary art exhibits to live music to Broadways shows, art festivals or sporting events, Tempe fits the bill.

Upcoming Events

Opening reception: Friday, Feb. 13, 2015 — Members and Alumni Preview 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Public Reception 6:30–8:30 p.m. John Armstrong and Joan Prior, through their firm Armstrong-Prior, Inc., have a rich history of working with local and international contemporary artists, donors, collectors, community organizations and museums. Armstrong-Prior is both a fine arts printing studio – with John’s proficient execution of various print media – and an art consulting organization – with Joan’s professional advisement and placement of art in prominent collections. After many years of print projects, Armstrong-Prior has built an impressive archive of contemporary prints and the ASU Art Museum is very fortunate to have received this archive as a gift from John and Joan. The Jules Heller Print Study Room at the ASU Art Museum houses a collection of more than 5,000 prints, ranging from a 14th century printed page to work by living artists. Generous gifts like the Armstrong-Prior archive have grown the collection to be a rich resource for ASU students and community members, and for exhibitions, loans and research. This exhibition is curated by Jean Makin, print collection manager, working with Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts student Tiernan Warner. Support for the exhibition is from the Evelyn Smith Exhibition Fund and members of the ASU Art Museum with additional generous support for printed gallery brochure from Kate and Hank Timmerman and The Cavanagh Law Firm. ASU Art Museum Hours Tuesday: During academic semesters 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Summer hours: 11 a.m. – […]

Opening reception: Friday, Dec. 12, 2014 — Public Reception 5–7 p.m. Known for projects which ‘touch the earth lightly,” architect Glenn Murcutt begins his work with a keen observation of the natural conditions of each site. His distinctive residences and public buildings combine simple materials with elegant and refined forms and detailing. Yet they are primarily concerned with bringing the qualities of the surrounding world into the daily experience of the occupants. Since 1972, his practice has been based in Sydney, Australia, where he has developed a range of projects receiving international recognition, including the 2002 Pritzker Prize and the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal in 2009. The exhibition of drawings, renderings, photographs and models will be installed through an innovative collaboration between the ASU Art Museum, The Design School and the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects. A graduate design studio working with faculty and curators will research, design, fabricate and install the exhibition to reflect the principles of Murcutt’s work. Their working process will be open to the public. ASU Art Museum Hours Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday–Saturday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. additional educator hours by appointment: Mondays and before 11 a.m. Tuesday–Thursday Closed: Sunday, Monday and holidays

See new works by world-renowned artists Philip and Matt Moulthrop at Desert Botanical Garden. This exhibition features turned wood that highlights the beauty of trees and plants that can be found in Arizona. The Moulthrop family has produced beautiful contemporary turned wood pieces for three generations. Their work can be found in the permanent collections of famed institutions such as the Smithsonian Institute, the American Craft Museum of New York and the Carnegie Museum of Art. This exhibition is included in Garden admission.

Ruth Davis presents her independently-published book, Heart Sparks: 7 Practices for Loving Your Life, a guide to how to live from the heart and follow your dreams that was inspired by the changes she made to her life following her emergency open-heart surgery.

Join us for a FREE Organ Concert to celebrate ASU Gammage’s 50th Anniversary. The Æolian-Skinner Organ was installed in 1965 and Dr. Alexander Schreiner, of Salt Lake City, performed the inaugural recital. The organ was a generous gift from Mr. and Mrs. Hugh W. Long. When ASU Gammage first opened in 1964, ASU President G. Homer Durham instituted free organ concerts at noon for the community and the students. Concert dates: February 25 at noon – James Gerber April 1 at noon – Ashley Snavley Note: While there is no free parking at ASU Gammage during the day, pay parking spots are available first-come, first served.

Dennis June discusses his research and book, Fred Harvey Jewelry: 1900-1955. The book provides an insightful look into early 1900s American Indian, Santa Fe Railway and the Fred Harvey Company. Dennis specifically looks at souvenir Indian jewelry and how it effected the culture of the Southwest and the Indian jewelry market. Studies have shown that souvenir silver Indian jewelry has crept into a majority of the vintage Indian jewelry collections and that collectors found the same value in Fred Harvey bracelets as those that were hand made. This event is free. Arizona native Dennis June is the author of Fred Harvey Jewelry 1900-1955 (a Top 1% Book Rank in its first month). All of the jewelry in the book is on display in a six-month exhibition at the Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos. Dennis’ deep interest in Indian arts led him to an ASU Education degree followed by a museum curator’s stint, gallery management, operation and ownership. He has been a licensed Indian Trader since 1965 and has owned and operated numerous Indian art galleries over a near-fifty year career. He is a broker, appraiser, consultant and owner of Dennis June Gallery in Scottsdale. The gallery features a wide array of y American Indian jewelry, Pueblo pottery and Southwest collectibles.

Ron Funches is a very funny stand up comedian with a unique delivery and lovable demeanor, you just want to hug and squeeze him like a big stuffed bear. His easy going, inventive style sounds the way fresh chocolate chip cookies taste. Ron performs stand up all over the United States impressing audiences everywhere. See him live at the Tempe Improv April 2-4, 2015. Show Times: April 2, 2015 8:00 p.m. April 3, 2015 7:30 & 10:15 p.m. Aoril 4, 2015 7:00 & 10:15 p.m.

AZ/DZ is Arizona’s premiere AC/DC tribute band that’s been amazing audiences throughout the West and Southwest by recreating the “HIGH VOLTAGE” Rock and Roll that is AC/DC. AZ/DZ will “ROCK YOUR HEART OUT” by guiding you through the greatest hits of both the Bon Scott and Brian Johnson era’s.

Phoenix based flutist Sherry Finzer has become world-renowned through her Sanctuary music series, performing ambient and relaxing music to heal the body and soul. She’s known for her unique blend of musical styles, creating a New Fusion sound consisting of New Age/Healing/Relaxation, Latin, Flamenco, Classical, Pop and Jazz. See her perform at the Barnes and Noble fountain at Tempe Marketplace.

Ongoing Events

Every Wednesday evening through May 27, 2015 at the Tempe Center for the Arts, join host Walt Richardson for a relaxing evening of live music from some of the Valley’s best singer/songwriters. Artists vie for a spot in the taped-for-televisionSongwriters’ Showcase concert and the In the Spotlight events. Musicians and poets welcome. Enjoy food & beverage specials. No cover charge. Sign-up 5:45 p.m. Youth 5-6 p.m., sign-up 4:45 p.m.

Since the 1950s, the ASU Art Museum has been actively collecting provocative and compelling artworks to share with our students and community members. The collection now includes more than 12,000 objects, primarily acquired through generous donation. One area of focus is work created at the ASU Art Museum; the current exhibition includes many of these objects and others in a range of media acquired within the past four years. This exhibition is generously supported by the Evelyn Smith Exhibition Fund and members of the ASU Art Museum. Opening reception: Friday, Feb. 20, 2015 — Members and Alumni Preview 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Public Reception 6:30–8:30 p.m. ASU Art Museum Hours Tuesday: During academic semesters 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday–Saturday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Additional educator hours by appointment: Mondays and before 11 a.m. Tuesday–Thursday Closed: Sunday, Monday and holidays

The artists in the exhibition unfix historic notions of what a painting should be. Their works are hybrids of old and new, familiar and surprising media and processes. The results range from abstractions derived from street and popular culture to computer-generated algorithms printed on canvas. This exhibition was made possible by generous loans and support of the Ovitz Family Collection, Los Angeles. Additional support from the Helme Prinzen Endowment. ASU Art Museum HoursTuesday: During academic semesters 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Summer hours: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.Wednesday–Saturday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.Closed: Sunday, Monday and holidays

This exhibition at the Tempe Center for the Arts will highlight some of America’s favorite children’s books, comic books and fictional literature that have been adapted to film and television. Displays from local and national collections include original artworks, animation cells, original signed scripts, promotional materials and vintage toys from films and television shows such as Zorro, M*A*S*H and James Bond. This is a free TCA event. Facility HoursClosed Mondays10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday11 a.m. to 6 p.m., SaturdayOpen Sundays based on performance schedule

Experience a magical, peaceful display of butterflies at the Desert Botanical Garden Spring Butterfly Exhibit. The Spring Butterfly Exhibit, located in the Marshall Butterfly Pavilion, is open March 7 – May 10, 2015. Hours are 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. This tranquil environment features a wide variety of colorful butterflies and plants that attract them. Friendly Garden volunteers are on hand to answer questions and share information. And, on Saturdays from 10-11 a.m. from March 7-April 18, don’t miss the “Meet the Caterpillars” special event. You can learn more about the how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly and go on a guided tour (limit 25 per walk on a first come, first served basis, no RSVP required). Pricing to view the exhibit is $3.50 per person, with paid Garden admission. Children under 3 and Garden members may view the exhibit for free.

Step right up and get ready to laugh, have fun and celebrate a magical night out. This top-rated show is “Revitalizing Magic” by blending their “Around the World in 80 Minutes” travel theme with all the charms of a Vaudeville-inspired roadshow. Great for date nights, anniversaries and special nights out. Shows on select Saturdays at the Tempe Center for the Arts, Mesa Arts Center, and Arizona Biltmore Resort. Carnival of Illusion is Magic, Mystery, and Oooh La La! Carnival of Illusion offers shows on select Saturdays throughout the year at several locations. Please visit their website for specific show times and locations: www.carnivalofillusion.com

Featured Events

Tap your feet to the beat at MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, onstage April 21-26, 2015 at Tempe’s ASU Gammage. It began as one man’s story… became everyone’s music… and is now Broadway’s musical. MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Featuring classic songs such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” experience the story behind the music in the record-breaking smash hit MOTOWN THE MUSICAL!

Experience a magical, peaceful display of butterflies at the Desert Botanical Garden Spring Butterfly Exhibit. The Spring Butterfly Exhibit, located in the Marshall Butterfly Pavilion, is open March 7 – May 10, 2015. Hours are 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. This tranquil environment features a wide variety of colorful butterflies and plants that attract them. Friendly Garden volunteers are on hand to answer questions and share information. And, on Saturdays from 10-11 a.m. from March 7-April 18, don’t miss the “Meet the Caterpillars” special event. You can learn more about the how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly and go on a guided tour (limit 25 per walk on a first come, first served basis, no RSVP required). Pricing to view the exhibit is $3.50 per person, with paid Garden admission. Children under 3 and Garden members may view the exhibit for free.